AirAsia mounts additional flights from Clark

PHILIPPINES AIRASIA, Inc. has added more flights from Clark International Airport, with the introduction of routes to Tacloban, Iloilo, and Puerto Princesa.

In a statement, the local unit of the AirAsia Group said it flew its maiden Clark-Iloilo flight on Feb. 3.

It also launched the Clark-Puerto Princesa and Clark-Iloilo routes, which both operate three times a week. The Clark-Tacloban route is operated four times a week.

AirAsia also flies to Davao, Kalibo, and Caticlan from Clark International Airport (CIA) using Airbus 320s that can accommodate up to 180 passengers.

It is returning to CIA, its original hub, this month. It started in Clark in 2012 but moved to Ninoy Aquino International Airport in 2013.

AirAsia CEO Dexter M. Comendador told reporters last December that they are expecting revenues of P1.3 billion monthly, or a total of P15.6 billion for 2018. Revenues for 2017 were expected to reach P12 billion.

The company also plans to expand the domestic fleet to 70 planes in 15 years.

Philippines AirAsia is eyeing an initial public offering (IPO) before end-2018. It plans to raise $250 million, mainly for expanding its facilities. — P.P.C. Marcelo